It gives us great pleasure to announce that on Saturday 18th October three gradings were held at the Sawbridgeworth Dojo before a panel that was presided over by Sensei John Blain 9th Dan and Sensei Tony Kilcullen 8th Dan. The Panel (of 12) was unanimous on the quality of kihon, pre-arranged kumite and kata. The […]
Shodan & Nidan Gradings 18th October 2025 Read More »
SHOTO held its annual Open Day on Saturday 13th September 2025 at Leventhorpe Leisure Centre in Sawbridgeworth. Warm-up and basics were followed by two one-hour kumite sessions: close-in kumite and circle training for 2nd Dan and below, and Ippon and Jiyu Ippon for 3rd Dan and above. After a brief lunch, a 2-hour kata session covered
Shoto Open Day 13th September 2025 Read More »
It gives us great pleasure to announce that Suzanne Welch underwent a grading on 23rd August in Sawbridgeworth and was awarded 3rd Dan. The grading was presided over by Senseis John Blain and Tony Kilcullen, very ably supported by Senseis Gaz Waldram, Mike Trogal and Eche Ginikanwa. Suzanne was thoroughly tested including the new self-defence format
Congratulations to Suzanne Welch on achieving 3rd Dan Read More »
It gives us great pleasure to announce that Heather Mollison underwent a grading on 26th July in Sawbridgeworth and was awarded 4th Dan. The grading was presided over by Senseis John Blain and Tony Kilcullen, very ably supported by Sensei’s Steve Johnson, Gaz Waldram and Konomi Yajima. Heather was thoroughly tested including the new self-defence
Congratulations to Heather Mollinson on being awarded 4th Dan Read More »
On the 26th April 2025 Shoto held a brown and black belt course at our Sawbridgeworth club. It was a great day with the opportunity to learn from Shoto’s senior instructors, with two hours of Kumite and two hours of Kata instruction. We look forward to our organisation open day on 13th September.
Shoto Brown and Black Belt course 26th April 2025 Read More »
It is with great sadness that SHOTO announces that Sensei John Morgan passed away on 15th December 2024. We offer our deepest condolences to Sensei’s family and friends at this very difficult time. Sensei Morgan (1938-2024) started his karate training in 1972 under the renowned karate master Enoede Sensei in the famous Marshall Street baths in
Tribute to Sensei John Morgan 7th Dan (1938-2024) Read More »
We have great pleasure in announcing that at the SHOTO grading event held on Saturday 19th October, Chris Curtis and Graham Zabel both successfully passed their Shodan gradings, before an extensive and no doubt daunting panel of SHOTO seniors headed up by Sensei Blain and Sensei Kilcullen. Congratulations to both Chris and Graham and also to
Congratulations Chris Curtis & Graham Zabel for achieving 1st Dan Read More »
On the 14th September, Shoto held an open day for all grades at our Sawbridgeworth club. It was a great day with the opportunity to learn from Shoto’s senior instructors, with two hours of Kumite and two hours of Kata instruction. The day was finished off with a social event over food and drinks in
Shoto Open day 14th September 2024 Read More »
SHOTO is very pleased to announce that Dermot Lynch has been awarded his Yondan (4th level black belt). Dermot is Club Secretary at North London Dojo and also Licensing Officer for SHOTO. He was very supportive to Sensei Randall, who used to refer to him as “Mr Shoto”. Congratulations Dermot. Oss!
Congratulations to Dermot Lynch on achieving Yondan (4th Dan)! Read More »
